Jagan’s “denial” of Yelahanka Palace for daughter Sharmila’s wedding sparked political controversy

This rejection, citing security concerns, became a major setback for APCC chief YS Sharmila as wedding invitations mentioning Yelahanka Palace as the venue had already been distributed. | Photo credit: File Photo

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has reportedly refused to allow his sister and APCC President YS Sharmila to hold her daughter’s wedding at the Yelahanka family palace in Bengaluru due to security concerns.

This sparked a political controversy amid continuing differences between the siblings over family assets.

Ms. Sharmila planned to conduct her daughter YS Anjili Reddy’s wedding to American Somal Raghuram Reddy at the palace on November 25. The couple got engaged on September 24.

According to people privy to the development, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy reportedly communicated his reluctance to allow the venue through their mother YS Vijayamma.

Ms Sharmila’s efforts to convince her brother through family members reportedly failed and she was left with no choice but to look for an alternative place in Bengaluru.

The decision is said to be a big setback for Ms Sharmila as the wedding invitations have already been distributed among relatives, political leaders and other dignitaries. The groom’s family also reportedly sent out invitations listing Jelahanka Palace as the venue.

The matter drew a defense from YSRCP leader Perni Nani, who argued that security considerations should be taken into account before criticizing Mr. Jagan’s decision.

Reacting to a popular media report on the controversy, Mr. Nani said that the residence of both the siblings is in the same compound and holding a wedding there could pose security problems for the YSRCP chief, who is provided with Z-plus security.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Kolanukonda Shivaji criticized Mr. Jagan’s stand. In a post on social media, he cited examples of weddings of sons of former prime minister Indira Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying they were held in residential areas or places under security measures.

Sources close to Ms Sharmila, however, expressed disappointment at the reported rejection of the venue, recalling that her father and former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy had arranged the marriages of his brothers’ children and other family members wherever he lived, despite serious threats to his life.

Some close to Ms. Sharmila said that if security was the main concern, Mr. Jagan might consider staying elsewhere for a few days to facilitate the palace wedding.

The controversy has once again highlighted the strained relationship between Mr Jagan and Ms Sharmila. Their disagreements over family assets have already spilled over into the political arena, and reported differences over the wedding venue have added a new dimension to the family feud.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 20:38 IST